Meaningful activities in

* Consider ways the care receiver can continue to participate in activities he enjoyed in the past: If he used to play tennis, but can no longer keep score, how about just hitting the ball back and forth? If she enjoyed cooking, why not make a meal together?

* Don't be afraid to try something new. As people age, their interests may change. In spite of AD or sometimes because of it, people often discover talents they may not have expressed before, such as painting, collage or even a greater sense of spirituality.

* Doing activities or chores that recall a person's work-related past can bring much happiness.

* Break an activity down into simple steps.

* Choose an activity that can be completed in a relatively short time. The process is more important than the product: It may be just as much fun to make mashed potatoes as a perfect souffle.

* Be generous with praise, do not criticize or correct mistakes, although you may want to lend a hand if some aspect of the activity becomes too difficult or time-consuming.